Eyeliner for Windows Completes the Room

A room doesn’t always need a complete overhaul to look finished – sometimes, a small detail can make a big difference. One such detail is non-traditional window trim, which can add a touch of personality to a space. Like a swipe of eyeliner, it can make the whole room feel more considered.

There are many options for non-traditional window trim, ranging from colorful paint and peel-and-stick wallpaper to sculptural scallops and permanent tilework. These options can add a spark to a room, making it feel more finished and polished.

Painting a window frame in an unexpected color is a quick way to turn it into a focal point. Instead of matching the surrounding walls or using white, a contrasting shade or a subtly darker hue of an adjacent color can add a tonal effect. Additional design opportunities include adding undulating waves, color-blocking, or using a two-tone scheme.

A slim strip of wallpaper can also create the look of decorative molding without the need for carpentry. Framing the entire window opening in a small-scale print or applying it just inside the recess can add a touch of elegance. Peel-and-stick paper makes this idea especially renter-friendly, allowing for easy decorative touches to be added and removed.

Wavy or zigzagged trim can lend whimsy and personality to an otherwise sharp edge. TikTok creator Andrea Sanchez-Traylor used scalloped strips to spruce up the windows in her daughter’s room, installing them like traditional casing. The result is fun and frilly without feeling overly fussy.

For a more budget-friendly option, cut MDF or a painted border can mimic the shape of scalloped trim. This can add a touch of personality to a room without breaking the bank. London designer Lucinda Sanford also used oversized wooden bobbin trim to add a decorative touch to a window frame.

Sanford’s design was inspired by delicate plaster molding she once spotted in an Irish bedroom. She devised a budget-friendly version using wooden bobbin trim, which can be glued onto a simple cornice or directly around a window frame. The finishing touch comes in strips that are flat on the back, making it easy to install.

Tile can also be used to add a decorative touch to a window frame. Carrying tile around a kitchen or bathroom window can make it feel fully integrated and turn a practical surface into a decorative frame. Contrasting pencil tile, colorful squares, or a patterned border can emphasize the effect.

As seen in the work of Clé, hand-painted tiles can surround a window, adding a richness to the space. This design element can make a room feel more finished and polished. With a little creativity, non-traditional window trim can make a big impact on the look and feel of a room.

It is a small detail.